Sexual Anorexia

IN THIS SECTION…

What is Sexual Anorexia?

Sexual Anorexia, also referred to as Sexual Aversion Disorder, is a pervasive pattern of resistance to anything sexual. Sexual anorexics will continue in this obsession despite knowing its destructive consequence to themselves and their relationships. They lead lives devoid of intimacy and romance. Many exist in relationships for years where there is no erotic contact or discussion of sex. The aversion is used as a maladaptive way to cope with anxiety and deeply painful issues. The sexual anorexic often holds rigid and judgmental attitudes about sex and will go to extremes to avoid sexual contact or attention. These attitudes and fears can lead to lowered self-esteem, distortion of physical appearance, and self-mutilation. The sexual anorexic lives in fear of physical and emotional intimacy. In his/her mind, sex has been a source of deep pain and must be kept at bay at all costs.

The sexual anorexic and the sex addict live in extremes. Both types can vacillate between the two: rigid avoidance of sex and sexual compulsivity.

People can recover from sexual anorexia. As with treatment for sex addiction, the goal of treatment for sexual anorexia is to work through the traumas that created it and begin to embrace a life of healthy sexuality. It is through a healthy sexuality that shame, poor self-esteem, and fears of abandonment can be healed.